Fusobacterium nucleatum infection of gingival epithelial cells leads to NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent secretion of IL-1β and the danger signals ASC and HMGB1.

ABSTRACT: Fusobacterium nucleatum is an invasive anaerobic bacterium that is associated with periodontal disease. Previous studies have focused on virulence factors produced by F. nucleatum, but early recognition of the pathogen by the immune system remains poorly understood. Although an inflammasome in gingival epithelial cells (GECs) can be stimulated by danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) (also known as danger signals) such as ATP, inflammasome activation by this periodontal pathogen has yet to be described in these cells. This study therefore examines the effects of F. nucleatum infection on pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and inflammasome activation in GECs. Our results indicate that infection induces translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus, resulting in cytokine gene expression.

SUBMITTER: Bui FQ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5101013 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature